Funeral Timing Following Passing
Funeral Timing Following Passing
The death of a loved one is one of the saddest and most difficult times in anyone’s life, and it can make funeral plans and arrangements very difficult to think about. Unfortunately, this is a time when those closest to the departed also have to begin considering celebrating their life and allowing others to pay their final respects in a classy, appropriate way that allows the grieving process to continue.
At McDougal Funeral Home, we’re here to help with every area of funeral planning. We can help you stay calm and organized, leaving no important part of the process unattended while also taking the proper time to grieve for your loss. Here are some basic considerations when it comes to funeral timing after a death in the family, which is one of the most frequent areas we’re asked about by our clients.

Basic Timing
It’s important to remember that in a broad sense, there’s no set time between the passing of a loved one and any services. While most preparations here are made within a reasonably short time after the passing, it’s generally understood that it will take a few days to prepare for burial or cremation, plus for contacting family and friends who may be out of town. If the majority of those who will be attending are local, a service can often be held within a week. If there are numerous out-of-towners to consider, it might be a bit later than this – or a separate memorial at a later date might be considered.
If more time is needed to bring in people from out of state, it might be a bit longer than this. For cases where it will be longer, embalming services might be prudent to look at. In addition, certain religions have their own requirements for the speed of a funeral service.
Funeral Services and Planning
Most cemeteries are not open for burials on Sundays, meaning these days have to be worked around. In many cases, if a loved one passed on a Thursday or Friday, it might be best to wait until Monday – or even the following Monday – to hold services, rather than rushing them. Of course, any specific wishes outlined by your loved one prior to their passing should be respected completely.
For more on proper funeral timing, or to learn about any of our other funeral planning services, speak to the caring staff at McDougal Funeral Home today.